4.5
(201)
1,139
riders
123
rides
Mountain biking around Madehurst offers diverse terrain within the South Downs National Park. The area is characterized by rolling chalk hills that provide both scenic vistas and challenging ascents. Well-wooded valleys and ancient woodlands offer shaded trails and varied ground conditions. This mix of open downland and dense forest creates a dynamic environment for mountain bikers.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.7
(3)
22
riders
29.3km
02:47
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(3)
13
riders
19.5km
01:57
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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17
riders
7.14km
00:41
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
7.36km
00:42
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
14
riders
32.5km
02:58
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Great view, bench at end of 3x descent - flood checkpoint
0
0
Car park and cafe closed (October 2025) Apparently for redevelopment
0
0
A view worth the climb. Be prepared for a steep uphill that keeps on going
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hidden watertap next to the 2 trees, very easy to miss so go slow
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0
Madehurst offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 120 routes available. These range in difficulty from easy to moderate, providing options for various skill levels.
You can expect a diverse terrain characterized by rolling chalk hills, well-wooded valleys, and ancient woodlands. This mix provides both challenging ascents and shaded trails, with open downland and fields offering varied riding experiences.
Yes, Madehurst has several family-friendly options. There are 39 easy mountain bike trails, many of which are shorter loops through rolling downland and open fields, suitable for a more relaxed ride. An example is the View of South Downs from A29 loop from Houghton, which is 4.5 miles long.
The mountain bike trails around Madehurst are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 180 reviews. More than 1,100 mountain bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views and diverse riding conditions within the South Downs National Park.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Madehurst are designed as scenic loops. For instance, the moderate View from Amberley Mount – View of the South Downs loop from Houghton is an 18.2-mile route offering expansive views, while the shorter View of the South Downs loop from Houghton is an easy 4.4-mile option.
The trails often lead to elevated viewpoints offering panoramas of the South Downs. Specific routes like The Denture – View of South Downs from A29 loop from Houghton provide views directly from the A29. You can also explore nearby attractions such as Chantry Hill or Kithurst Hill Trig Point for more stunning vistas.
Many trails are easily accessible with starting points in areas like Houghton and Slindon. While specific parking facilities are not detailed for each route, these villages typically offer public parking options suitable for accessing the trail network.
Madehurst offers enjoyable mountain biking year-round due to its varied terrain. The well-wooded valleys provide shaded trails in warmer months, while the rolling downland can be beautiful in spring and autumn. Be mindful of potential muddy conditions in wooded areas during wetter periods.
Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and history. You can find natural monuments like Graffham Down Nature Reserve. Historical sites include Burton Mill Pond and Mill, Hiorne Tower, and Halnaker Windmill, which can be explored as part of your biking adventure.
The trails in Madehurst, situated within the South Downs National Park, feature rolling chalk hills that provide both scenic vistas and challenging ascents. For example, the Littlewood Lookout Shelter – Little Down loop from Slindon has an elevation gain of approximately 228 meters over its 8-mile length, while longer routes can exceed 500 meters of ascent.
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, the starting points for many routes are in accessible villages like Houghton and Slindon. It is advisable to check local bus or train services to these villages for connections to the wider trail network.


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